Tuesday, May 09, 2017

Review: Vogue 1531 | Nude Vibes for Spring!


From the first moment I laid eyes on Vogue 1531 by designer Lialia, I knew I had to make this! The front with the dramatic cowl neck is beautiful. But the open-back design sealed the deal! This pattern just called out to me. There is something sexy, yet sophisticated and polished about this look. I feel what keeps it in this zone is the choice of fabric.
So I immediately started searching for an amazing fabric choice. I couldn't find anything quite right. It's like when you have an idea of what you want, but not a definitive definition. But When Carlos Correa from McCall Pattern Company did his "Closer Look: V1531 Dress Pattern" video and I saw him handle the designer dress' fabric, I knew I was going to go with a lightweight crepe!
The first consideration in choosing a fabric for this dress is to take in mind how the cowl needs to drape and that the wrong side of the fabric will show! You can't use a fabric with too much body nor can you use a knit with too much stretch. So a lightweight woven fabric with a little bit of give that would support a tailored fully-lined sheath dress with a beautifully draped cowl was needed. So I picked this Italian Rose Dust Polyester Stretch Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com.
For the pattern, I cut a size 12 in the bodice and graded to a size 14 at the waist. 
Fitting tip: Measure yourself for your bodice based on the bra you'll be wearing. It makes a difference. And sew the lining first in case you need to make alterations. Also, I read a couple of reviews of this dress and the center front seam of the skirt was questioned. Trust me on this, if you have a bit of a belly, this seam is your new best friend! Use it as an opportunity to refine fit!
  The bodice is self-lined and the skirt uses lining fabric. I used a fabric from my stash.
The dress also has a vent. The cowl was simple, it's basically a rectangular tube. However, I did decide to change the finish. The instructions suggested a Hong Kong finish. And I didn't use the drawstring. I don't plan to ever wear this as a hood!
I decided a flat-felled finish would do this dress better justice. 
The dress has an invisible zipper and a very necessary hook & eye closure.
I love this dress and I would love to make it again. But I think I love the fabric even more! I plan to order it in another color or 2!

31 comments:

  1. This I love - drama in the front and a surprise in the back!!!!

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    1. That was the draw for me! Thanks Nylse!

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  2. Same. HAD to have this when it was released. Not sure where I'm wearing it to, but I'll figure something out. It's gorgeous.

    Thanks for the fabric link...I wondered what would work best for it.

    It is absolutely stunning on you and PERFECTLY sewn!!

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  3. This is stunning! A beautifully sewn dress.

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  4. This is beautiful! Yes, you have to sew this again.

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    1. Thank you Karen! And I hope I get around to it.

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  5. Beautiful dress and you really know how to work with crepe, such a difficult fabric! It fits so well. I was curious if you had to buy a special bra to wear with this? I like it but could never get away with going braless. I always chuckle when I see it's a man that designs a pattern like this since they don't seem to consider those details!

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    1. There are specialty bras that are low-back that are available. Depending on the fabric, I'm good with or without. Since this fabric is lined I wouldn't look "nippley", I went without. This dress is designed by Lialia by Julia Alarcon. Even though I get where you're coming from, it doesn't apply this time! Thanks Justine!

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  6. Erica, you look marvelous! What a beautiful dress. I have this pattern too. I have been contemplating how to change the back as I have a scar on my back that I am very self conscious of. I love the fabric and the blushed color. Simply beautiful!!!

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    1. You could always do a lace inset. Sheer enough to keep the open back idea, but you would still have coverage. Thanks Bpatricia!

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  7. This one is a BEAUTY! As are you!

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  8. I love the detail you give in describing the fabric.

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  9. Stunning dress! This looks amazing on you.

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  10. Stunning dress and beautifully made too (naturally!).

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  11. I knew you were going to make this pattern! It is stunning. Beautiful! It fits you perfectly. Just GORGEOUS!

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  12. Absolutely gorgeous and it so suits you, this seems to be a pattern which suits everyone I've seen it on, not just skinny 6' models.

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    1. I never understood why women convinced themselves that clothes only look good on models, when things are pinned, clipped, tucked and edited! Where what you like and don't buy into the hype. Thanks Mags!

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  13. Anonymous2:52 PM

    Utterly stunning!!! You look amazing in this! (And very belated, your haircut is awesome :) )
    I bought this pattern as well but have been hesitant, since I still fairly often choose the wrong fabric for a project (just because it looks so nice). Thanks for your insights on fabric choice, I may actually have something in my stash that would work... (mentally rearranges her sewing queue... ;) )

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  14. An ABSOLUTE HIT! So classy.

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  15. Lovely. You have great taste, Erica.

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